February 12
Exodus 35:1-36:38
Sometimes we place limits around a limitless God. God has gifted each of us uniquely. But God is not limited to our natural abilities. God is looking for ready and willing vessels to empower with His Spirit to be used by Him. Oswald Chambers said, "If you have never used your mind to place yourself before God, begin to do it now. Turn your thoughts and your eyes away from the face of idols and look to Him. Your creative mind is the greatest gift God has given you and it ought to be devoted entirely to Him. You will begin to see that your thoughts are from God as well, and your mind will no longer be at the mercy of your impulsive thinking, but will always be used in service to God." We all crave peace. Peace occurs when our gifts and our will align with God's will. We read in Isaiah 26:3, "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!"
After a brief interlude, we come back to the building of the tabernacle. This large task required craftsmen, and we read of them in Exodus 35:30-35, "Then Moses told the people of Israel, “The Lord has specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. The Lord has filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft. And the Lord has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach their skills to others. The Lord has given them special skills as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet thread on fine linen cloth, and weavers. They excel as craftsmen and as designers." We are told that these men were filled with the Holy Spirit to accomplish the task before them. We don't know how much was from their natural abilities. They were also willing. Ready and willing vessels can be used mightily by God.
How about us? What has God naturally gifted you in? If like Bezalel you were gifted as a master craftsman and you were offered the role of embarking on a building project for God, would you? Or would you find a number of reasons why now was not the right time for you, due to your busy schedule and your other commitments? If you erroneously believe that you have nothing of worth to offer to God, remember James 1:17, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." If you lack the perseverance, or struggle with discouragement over the extent of the undertaking, consider Paul's words in Philippians 1:6, " And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." Though God doesn't really need us, He often chooses to accomplish His will on this earth through us, His imperfect, but willing vessels.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: